CN101853948A - Liquid tank and fuel cell - Google Patents

Liquid tank and fuel cell Download PDF

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Publication number
CN101853948A
CN101853948A CN201010140198A CN201010140198A CN101853948A CN 101853948 A CN101853948 A CN 101853948A CN 201010140198 A CN201010140198 A CN 201010140198A CN 201010140198 A CN201010140198 A CN 201010140198A CN 101853948 A CN101853948 A CN 101853948A
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China
Prior art keywords
liquid
external shell
liquid repellent
liquid tank
gas
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Granted
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CN201010140198A
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CN101853948B (en
Inventor
志村重辅
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Sony Corp
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Sony Corp
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Publication of CN101853948B publication Critical patent/CN101853948B/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
    • H01M8/04208—Cartridges, cryogenic media or cryogenic reservoirs
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)
  • Feeding And Controlling Fuel (AREA)

Abstract

This liquid tank the invention provides a kind of liquid tank and a kind of fuel cell that uses this liquid tank, even also can keep inner pressure constant under the state that tilts at any angle.A kind of liquid tank comprises: external shell, described external shell are provided with a gas and go into/export; And the liquid repellent structure, described liquid repellent structure is arranged on the inside of described external shell, and two or more summits, limit or the face and the described gas that connect described external shell are gone into/are exported, and are made by the liquid repellent material with ventilation space.

Description

Liquid tank and fuel cell
Technical field
The present invention relates to the liquid tank of a kind of liquid fuel that is used for the fuel-in-storage battery etc. and relate to a kind of fuel cell with this liquid tank.
Background technology
Using as the liquid fuel of methyl alcohol and so on as the hydrogen of water and so on helps the fuel cell system of living agent to have the groove of storage of liquids usually therein.Usually, in this liquid tank, the liquid that store and as the gas coexistence of air and so on.And, proposed to supply air to the method (the open No.2005-30699 of reference example such as Japanese Unexamined Patent Application) that also promotes liquid fuel in the groove by the pressure of air.
Summary of the invention
Yet in this conventional liq groove, when gas in the groove heated up by heating, air expansion and internal pressure rose.What worried is, liquid is produced unusually or groove breaks, thereby, there is improved space.
For to should defective, for example, consider the method that the gas that is provided as airport in liquid tank is gone into/exported.In stationary fuel cell system, the posture of liquid tank does not change, and/enter the mouth promptly enough thereby a gas is set in the end face of liquid tank.On the other hand, then require under the state that liquid tank tilts at any angle also and will keep inner pressure constant even be installed in fuel cell system on the portable unit by making escape of gas prevent simultaneously to the outside that liquid from going into/exporting to leak from gas.
Japan Patent No.2,716,883 disclose a kind of ink holding tank that is used for ink-jet printer, and wherein airport is arranged on the corner of groove, and have water repellency by the inner face that makes airport, leak from the airport that is positioned at the liquid level below and can suppress ink.Because being used for most of inks of ink-jet is the aqueous solution and aqueous dispersion, so even airport directly is opened on atmosphere, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2005-30699, deleterious material also leaks into the outside hardly.Yet, under the situation of fuel cell, because the methanol mixed of evaporating in groove is in gas, so if having the problem that leaks into atmosphere with the similar configuration methyl alcohol of configuration of Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2005-30699 of using.
Desired is, even a kind of liquid tank and a kind of fuel cell that uses this liquid tank that also can keep inner pressure constant under the state that tilts at any angle is provided.
First liquid tank of embodiment of the present invention comprises:
(A) be provided with the external shell that a gas is gone into/exported; And
(B) liquid repellent structure, described liquid repellent structure is arranged on the inside of described external shell, and two or more summits, limit or the face and the described gas that connect described external shell are gone into/are exported, and are made by the liquid repellent material with space that supplied gas therefrom passes.
Second liquid tank of embodiment of the present invention comprises the liquid repellent housing, and all faces of described liquid repellent housing are made by the liquid repellent material with space that supplied gas therefrom passes.
Term " liquid repellent " expression is negative with the cosine of the contact angle θ of liquid.On the contrary, the cosine of term " lyophily " expression and the contact angle θ of liquid is for just.
First and second fuel cells of embodiment of the present invention have fuel cell main body and have the fuel cassette of liquid tank.Use as described first and second liquid tanks of embodiment of the present invention as described in liquid tank.
According to first liquid tank of embodiment of the present invention, two or more summits, limit or the face of external shell go into gas/export by the liquid repellent structure to be connected.The liquid repellent structure is made by the liquid repellent material with space that supplied gas therefrom passes.As a result, liquid that can not is owing to capillary force enters the liquid repellent structure, and the inside of this structure always is filled with gas.Even when external shell tilts at any angle, at least one summit of external shell always contacts with gas.Therefore, gas enters/leaves this summit of contacting with gas, comprises the limit on this summit or comprise the part of the face on this summit by the inside of liquid repellent structure, and internal pressure keeps constant.
According to second liquid tank of embodiment of the present invention, all faces of liquid repellent housing are made by the liquid repellent material with space that supplied gas therefrom passes.Liquid that can not is owing to capillary force enters the liquid repellent material, and the inside of material always is filled with gas.Even when the liquid repellent housing tilts at any angle, at least one summit of liquid repellent housing also always contacts with gas.Therefore, gas enters/leaves the summit that contacts with gas by the inside of liquid repellent material, and internal pressure keeps constant.
Because first and second liquid tanks that first and second fuel cells of embodiment of the present invention have embodiment of the present invention are so even under the state that liquid tank tilts at any angle, it is constant that internal pressure also keeps.So, suppressed the unusual ejection of liquid and breaking of liquid tank, improved fail safe.
According to first liquid tank of embodiment of the present invention, the liquid repellent structure is made by the liquid repellent material with space that supplied gas therefrom passes, and two or more summits, limit or the face of external shell go into gas/export by the liquid repellent structure to be connected.Therefore, even when external shell tilts at any angle, it is constant that internal pressure also keeps.
According to second liquid tank of embodiment of the present invention, all faces of liquid repellent housing are made by the liquid repellent material with space that supplied gas therefrom passes.Therefore, even when the liquid repellent housing tilts at any angle, it is constant that internal pressure also keeps.
Because first and second liquid tanks that first and second fuel cells of embodiment of the present invention have embodiment of the present invention, so regardless of the posture of liquid tank, it is constant that internal pressure all keeps.Especially, the present invention is suitable for being installed in the fuel cell on the portable electronic equipment, and has improved the fail safe of device.
Of the present invention other will become clearer from the following description with other purpose, feature and advantage.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 shows the sectional view of the configuration of the described liquid tank of first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 shows the stereogram of the outward appearance of the liquid tank shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is the diagram that is used for the operation of the liquid repellent material shown in the key-drawing 1.
Fig. 4 is the diagram that is used for the state of the liquid repellent housing inclination shown in the key-drawing 1.
Fig. 5 shows the sectional view of the configuration of the described liquid tank of second embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 shows the sectional view of the configuration of the described liquid tank of third embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7 A to 7D is the diagram that is used for the operation of the capillary gradient material shown in the key-drawing 6.
Fig. 8 shows the sectional view of the configuration of the described liquid tank of four embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 9 shows the stereogram of the outward appearance of the liquid tank shown in Fig. 8.
Figure 10 shows the stereogram of the example of refusing water-bound shown in Fig. 8.
Figure 11 shows the stereogram of another example of refusing water-bound shown in Fig. 8.
Figure 12 shows the stereogram of an example again of refusing water-bound shown in Fig. 8.
Figure 13 shows the sectional view of the schematic configuration of the described fuel cell of fifth embodiment of the invention.
Figure 14 shows from the plane graph of the configuration of the fuel cell main body shown in Figure 13 of cathode-side plate member side observation.
Figure 15 shows the stereogram of the major part of the fuel cell shown in Figure 13.
Figure 16 shows the stereogram of example of the internal structure of the liquid tank shown in Figure 13.
Figure 17 shows the sectional view of the repulsion structure shown in Figure 16.
Figure 18 shows the stereogram of the example of the layout of repelling structure and lyophily structure.
Figure 19 shows the stereogram of another example of the layout of repelling structure and lyophily structure.
Figure 20 shows the stereogram of an example again of the layout of repelling structure and lyophily structure.
Figure 21 shows the exploded perspective view of the lyophily example of structure shown in Figure 17.
Figure 22 is the stereogram that is used to explain the operation of the lyophily structure shown in Figure 16.
Figure 23 shows the sectional view of the configuration of the described liquid tank of sixth embodiment of the invention.
Figure 24 shows the sectional view of the configuration of the described liquid tank of seventh embodiment of the invention.
Figure 25 shows the diagram of the configuration of the described fuel cell of eighth embodiment of the invention.
Embodiment
Describe embodiment of the present invention below with reference to accompanying drawings in detail.To be described in the following order.
1. the first execution mode (liquid tank; Refuse the water hull body)
2. the second execution mode (liquid tank; The outside of refusing the water hull body is coated with external shell)
3. the 3rd execution mode (liquid tank; Refusing the water hull body is formed by the capillary gradient material)
4. the 4th execution mode (liquid tank; Refusing water-bound is arranged in the external shell)
5. the 5th execution mode (liquid tank of fuel cell; Refuse water-bound and the lyophily structure is arranged in the external shell)
6. the 6th execution mode (liquid tank of fuel cell; The lyophily structure is arranged on refuses in the water-bound)
7. the 7th execution mode (liquid tank of fuel cell; The lyophily structure is arranged on refuses in the water-bound, and the outside of refusing water-bound is coated with external shell)
8. the 8th execution mode (exhaust from liquid tank is not discharged into atmosphere)
First execution mode
Fig. 1 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the described liquid tank of first embodiment of the invention.Fig. 2 shows the outward appearance of liquid tank shown in Fig. 1.Liquid tank 1 is used as for example fuel bath of fuel cell, and has liquid repellent housing 10.
Liquid repellent housing 10 has for example rectangular shape.Six faces of all of liquid repellent housing 10 are made by the liquid repellent material 11 with hole that supplied gas therefrom passes.Therefore, in liquid tank 1, even under the state that liquid repellent housing 10 tilts at any angle, it is constant that internal pressure also can keep.
Liquid repellent material 11 has the low moisture adsorbability to liquid, and just, the cosine of the contact angle θ of liquid is for negative.Therefore, owing to liquid does not enter by capillary force, so the inside of liquid repellent material 11 always is filled with gas.Just, as shown in Figure 3, liquid repellent material 11 does not make liquid A 1 pass through, but air A2 is passed through.Therefore, the liquid repellent housing 10 that its face is all made by liquid repellent material 11 can make air freely pass through, and inner liquid A 1 is leaked.
This liquid repellent material 11 is by intrafascicular at least a the making of for example porous material, sponge material, foamed material, fiber material and tubule.Particularly, the resin that has a perfluoroalkyl by use to natural fiber, animal hair fiber, polyacetals, acrylic resin, as the mylar of PETG and so on, refuse water treatment as the polyamide of nylon and so on, polyolefin resin, ethene polymers, Merlon, polyether resin, polyphenylene resin, polylactic resin, foam metal, foam oxide, zeolite or biscuit ware and obtain suitable material as polyurethane, polypropylene or polyethylene and so on.Liquid repellent material 11 can be to carry out the above-mentioned material that water treatment obtains of refusing by foam (foamed material), felt, felt sintered body or the particle sintered body that a kind of in these materials or two or more the combination in them are made.Concrete material is by for example by using fluorine resin (as by Fluoro Technology Co., " Fluoro Surf (registered trade mark) " that Ltd makes) porous metal material made by nickel (Ni) (as by Sumitomo Electric Toyama Co., " Celmet " (trade (brand) name) that Ltd makes) is refused water treatment and obtain.Porous metal material obtains by forming the nickel film by plating on the surface of foamed resin, and has three-dimensional netted skeleton structure.
The for example following manufacturing of liquid tank 1.
At first, for example, the above-mentioned porous metal material of preparing to make (as by SumitomoElectric Toyama Co., " Celmet " (trade mark) that Ltd makes) by nickel (Ni)." being exclusively used in the priming paint of Fluoro Surf (registered trade mark) " of being made by silane-based compound that porous metal material FluoroTechnology Co., Ltd make handles.Subsequently, by with fluorine resin (for example by Fluoro TechnologyCo., Ltd make " Fluoro Surf (registered trade mark)) on treated porous metal material, carry out coating processing, form liquid repellent material 11.Subsequently, by liquid repellent material 11, form all faces of liquid repellent housing 10.By this way, finish the liquid tank 1 shown in Fig. 1 and 2.
When the mode actual manufacturing of liquid repellent material 11 to be similar to above-mentioned manufacture method, and when being placed on water droplet on the liquid repellent material 11 that is obtained, then liquid repellent material 11 repels water fully, and does not have penetration by water inside.When liquid repellent material 11 dropped in the water, liquid repellent material 11 swam in waterborne.The proportion of nickel is 8.9g/cc, and it is more than proportion (1.0g/cc) recuperation of water, thereby this material ought to sink.Because liquid repellent material 11 repels water admirably, and air is stored in inside, so think that liquid repellent material 11 is because its buoyancy and floating.And when liquid repellent material 11 dropped in the methanol aqueous solution of 80vo1%, liquid repellent material 11 was floating in the mode of the situation that is similar to water.Therefore, should be understood that, when all faces of liquid repellent housing 10 are made by liquid repellent material 11, do not leak ground contain fluid A1.
In liquid tank 1, all faces of liquid repellent housing 10 are made by the liquid repellent material 11 with space that supplied gas therefrom passes.Liquid does not enter liquid repellent material 11 owing to capillary force, and this material internal always is filled with gas.Even when liquid repellent housing 10 tilts as shown in Figure 4 at any angle, at least one summit of liquid repellent housing 10 also always contacts with gas.Therefore, gas enters/leaves the summit 10A that contacts with gas by liquid repellent material 11 inside, and the internal pressure of liquid repellent housing 10 keeps constant.
As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, all faces of liquid repellent housing 10 are made by the liquid repellent material 11 with space that supplied gas therefrom passes, thereby even internal pressure also can keep constant under the state that liquid repellent housing 10 tilts at any angle.
Have the situation of rectangular shape although described liquid repellent housing 10 above in aforementioned embodiments, obviously, the shape of liquid repellent housing 10 is not limited.
Second execution mode
Fig. 5 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the described liquid tank 2 of second embodiment of the invention.Except the external shell 20 that the outside that covers liquid repellent housing 10 is set, liquid tank 2 is constructed in the mode that is similar to the liquid tank 1 described in first execution mode.Therefore, same reference numerals is represented corresponding parts.
Liquid repellent housing 10 and liquid repellent material 11 are constructed in the mode that is similar to first execution mode.
External shell 20 is set to improve the resistance to impact of liquid tank 2.When sharp pounding, impact etc. is applied to inner liquid A 1 (just, when applying high acceleration), big power is applied to the surface (this power and acceleration are proportional) of liquid repellent material 11.When this power surpassed capillary force, liquid A 1 entered liquid repellent material 11, and further arrives the rear side of liquid repellent material 11, and so-called " leakage " take place.And, under the situation that external shell 20 is set, do not prevent that liquid A 1 from entering inside, but can prevent that liquid A 1 from leaking into the outside.
External shell 20 also has the function of the evaporation rate that reduces liquid A 1.Under the situation that external shell 20 is not set, internal gas and extraneous gas can easily be changed each other.In this case, when harmful substance when for example methyl alcohol is included in the liquid A 1, methyl alcohol is easy to evaporation and is diffused in the air.By external shell 20 is set, postponed the evaporation rate of methyl alcohol.
External shell 20 has gas and goes into/export 21.Gas is gone into/is exported 21 position and can select according to the configuration that liquid tank 2 is attached to the device side on it, and can be positioned at liquid A 1 below just.It is not limited that 21 quantity and size are gone into/exported to gas yet.Yet a gas goes into/exports 21 promptly enough.Different with common housing, not needing externally, the corner of housing 20 is provided with airport.Go into/export 21 by a gas, allow gas to go out/advance.Therefore, even contain in storage under the situation of liquid A 1 of harmful substance, can help to have reduced harmful substance and leaked into the possibility of atmosphere, and improved fail safe go into/export the management of 21 gases of discharging from gas.External shell 20 also is provided with the liquid that is used for liquid A 1 and goes into/export (not shown).
Liquid tank 2 can for example following manufacturing.
At first, to be similar to the mode of first execution mode, form liquid repellent material 11, and all faces of liquid repellent housing 10 are made by liquid repellent material 11.Next, by above-mentioned material, form and to have gas and go into/export 21 external shell 20.The outside of liquid repellent housing 10 covers with external shell 20.By this way, finish liquid tank 2.
In liquid tank 2, the outside of liquid repellent housing 10 is coated with external shell 20, and external shell 20 is provided with gas and goes into/export 21.As shown in Figure 4, even when liquid repellent housing 10 tilts at any angle, at least one summit of liquid repellent housing 10 also always contacts with gas.Therefore, liquid repellent housing 10 plays the effect of gas passage, and gas enters/leave the summit 10A that contacts with gas, passes the inside of liquid repellent material 11, and goes into/export 21 by gas and advance/go out.Therefore, the internal pressure of liquid repellent housing 10 keeps constant.
When because rocking, falling etc. of liquid tank 2 and sharp pounding, impact etc. when being applied to inner liquid A 1 (just, when applying big acceleration), big power is applied to the surface (this power and acceleration are proportional) of liquid repellent material 11.When this power surpassed capillary force, liquid A 1 entered liquid repellent material 11, and further arrives the rear side of liquid repellent material 11.Because the outside of liquid repellent housing 10 is coated with external shell 20 in the present embodiment, leaks into liquid tank 2 outsides so suppressed liquid A 1.When liquid A 1 is contained in the liquid repellent material 11, has stopped passing through of gas A2, thereby lost the function that keeps inner pressure constant.Yet, when guaranteeing pass through of gas A2 once more, also just recovered the function of maintenance inner pressure constant by the moving of liquid A 1, evaporation etc.
As mentioned above, in second execution mode, the outside of liquid repellent housing 10 is coated with external shell 20, and goes into/export 21 for external shell 20 is provided with gas.So, except the effect of first execution mode, improved resistance to impact, and reduced the evaporation rate of liquid A 1.
Although each that described in aforementioned embodiments in liquid repellent housing 10 and the external shell 20 has the situation of rectangular shape above, obviously, the shape of liquid repellent housing 10 and external shell 20 is not limited.
The 3rd execution mode
Fig. 6 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the described liquid tank of third embodiment of the invention.In the present embodiment, repel the shape in space in the material 11, the feasible liquid A 1 spontaneous discharge that enters liquid repellent material 11 inside by suitable controlling liquid.Except this point, the liquid tank 3 of present embodiment is constructed in the mode that is similar to the liquid tank 2 described in second execution mode.Therefore, same reference numerals is represented corresponding parts.
Particularly, in the liquid repellent material 11 of present embodiment, as shown in Figure 7A, the shape in space goes up at the relative direction 11C of surperficial 11A and back 11B (face vertical direction) and changes.As a result, the capillary force among the surperficial 11A is less than the capillary force among the 11B of back.Just, the capillary force of liquid repellent material 11 tilts in the face vertical direction.
In this case, as shown in Fig. 7 B, when liquid A 1 entered liquid repellent material 11, liquid A 1 independently was discharged to the little surperficial 11A side of capillary force.
On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7 C, the shape in space is under situation consistent on the face vertical direction in liquid repellent material 11, and the capillary force of liquid repellent material 11 is also consistent on the face vertical direction.In this case, as shown in Fig. 7 D, when liquid A 1 enters liquid repellent material 11, the side that liquid A 1 is therefrom discharged, promptly surperficial 11A side or back 11B side are unknown.Also there is liquid A 1 balance and remains on inner possibility.
In the liquid repellent housing 10 shown in Fig. 6, all faces are formed by liquid repellent material 11, and its capillary force changes on the face vertical direction.The surperficial 11A that has less capillary force in the liquid repellent material 11 is arranged on the inner face of liquid repellent housing 10.Back 11B with big capillary force is arranged on the outside of liquid repellent housing 10.Adopt this arrangement, the liquid A 1 that enters liquid repellent material 11 inside independently directs into the little surperficial 11A side of capillary force, and turns back to the inside of liquid repellent housing 10.Therefore, wait under the situation about temporarily being stopped because of impacting at gas passage equally, recover to keep the function of inner pressure constant more easily.
Except forming capillary force the liquid repellent material 11 that changes on the face vertical direction, liquid tank 3 is made in the mode of the liquid tank 2 that is similar to second execution mode, wherein by in the process of making liquid repellent material 11 suitably the shape in control space form described liquid repellent material 11.
In aforesaid execution mode, all faces of liquid repellent housing 10 are made by liquid repellent material 11, capillary force tilts in the face vertical direction in described liquid repellent material 11, surperficial 11A with less capillary force is arranged on the inner face of liquid repellent housing 10, and the back 11B that has than big capillary force is arranged on the outside of liquid repellent housing 10.As a result, the liquid A 1 that enters liquid repellent material 11 inside is independently discharged.
The 4th execution mode
Fig. 8 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the described liquid tank of four embodiment of the invention.Fig. 9 shows the outward appearance of liquid tank shown in Fig. 8.Replace the liquid repellent housing 10 in the external shell 20 except X-shaped liquid repellent structure 30 is set, liquid tank 4 is constructed in the mode that is similar to the liquid tank 2 described in second execution mode.Therefore, identical Reference numeral is represented corresponding parts.
External shell 20 is constructed in the mode that is similar to second execution mode.
Liquid repellent structure 30 has the function as the gas passage in the external shell 20, made by the liquid repellent material 11 that is similar to first execution mode, and two or more summits, limit or face and the gas of connection external shell 20 goes into/export 21.Adopt this arrangement, in liquid tank 3, even externally under the state that housing 20 tilts at any angle, it is constant that internal pressure also keeps.
Particularly, liquid repellent structure 30 has liquid repellent branching portion 31, and it is for example X-shaped branching portion that starts from ad-hoc location 24 in the external shell 20.Adopt this configuration, with in first execution mode form the housing 10 of liquid repellent structure 30 by liquid repellent material 11 the situation of all faces compare, the volume of liquid repellent structure 30 is much smaller.Because the inside of liquid repellent material 11 is filled with gas, so by reducing the volume of liquid repellent structure 30, can increase the intrinsic capacity of liquid tank 4.
Liquid repellent branching portion 31 has a plurality of terminal 31A.Externally housing 20 has under the situation of rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 8, desired is that a plurality of terminal 31A of liquid repellent branching portion 31 contacts with eight summits of external shell 20, just all summit 23A to 23D of all summit 22A to 22D of end face 22 and bottom surface 23.Especially, externally housing 20 has under the situation of flat rectangular shape, just have under the situation that four limits " z " on the thickness direction are shorter than the rectangular shape on four limits " y " on four limits " x " and short transverse on the Width, as shown in Figure 9, a plurality of terminal 31A of liquid repellent branching portion 31 preferably contacts with four limits " z " on the thickness direction of external shell 20.Adopt this configuration, eliminated the orientation dependence, and the present invention deals with all angles by the real meaning of term, just all angles in roll angle (angle of rotation of anterior-posterior axle), the angle of pitch (angle of rotation of lateral shaft) and the deflection angle (angle of rotation of vertical axis).Four limits " z " on the thickness direction are two the relative edge 22E and the 22F of end face 22, and two relative edge 23E of bottom surface 23 and 23F.
External shell 20 can have for example cylindrical form, as shown in Figure 12, just have as the end face 22 and the bottom surface 23 of two opposing end surfaces and be present in end face 22 and bottom surface 23 between the shape of side 25.In end face 22 and the bottom surface 23 each is not limited to circle, but can be to comprise that the shape as the curve of ellipse and so on maybe can be a polygon.Size L on the longitudinal direction of side 25 fully is longer than the diameter or the full-size W of end face 22 and bottom surface 23.
Externally housing 20 has under the situation of this cylindrical form, and a plurality of terminal 31A of liquid repellent branching portion 31 can put with at least one point in the end face 22 and in the bottom surface 23 at least one and contacts, so that can eliminate the orientation dependence.The terminal 31A of liquid repellent branching portion 31 preferably contacts with the center of end face 22 and the center of bottom surface 23.Equally, in the case, in the mode of the situation that is similar to the external shell 20 with rectangular shape, liquid repellent branching portion 31 can have the structure of eight road branching portions or four road branching portions.
Be preferably the center of external shell 20 as the ad-hoc location 24 of the starting point of liquid repellent branching portion 31.Reason is that liquid repellent branching portion 31 has equidistance on all directions, and this helps solving the orientation dependence.
Gas is gone into/is exported 21 position and selects according to the configuration that liquid tank 2 is attached to the device side on it, and not limited.Particularly, gas is gone into/is exported 21 and preferably is arranged on the extended line of liquid repellent branching portion 31, just terminal 31A place, thus the volume of liquid repellent structure 30 is minimized and has been reduced extra VOLUME LOSS.Go at gas/export under the situation in 21 positions that are arranged on except the terminal 31A of liquid repellent branching portion 31, connection liquid repellent branching portion 31 and gas preferably are set go into/export 21 liquid repellent coupling part 32.
To be similar to the mode of second execution mode, a gas goes into/exports 21 promptly enough.Different with common housing, not needing externally, the corner of housing 20 is provided with airport.Go into/export 21 by a gas, allow gas to go out/advance.Therefore, even contain in storage under the situation of liquid A 1 of harmful substance, can help to have reduced harmful substance and leaked into the possibility of atmosphere, and improved fail safe go into/export the management of 21 gases of discharging from gas.
Liquid tank 4 can for example following manufacturing.
At first, being similar to the mode of first execution mode, form liquid repellent material 11, and form and have the liquid repellent structure 30 of liquid repellent branching portion 31, and when needs, then form liquid repellent coupling part 32.Next, form by above-mentioned material and to have gas and go into/export 21 external shell 20, and liquid repellent structure 30 is arranged in the external shell 20.By this way, finish liquid tank 4.
In liquid tank 4, two or more summits, limit or the face of external shell 20 gone into/exported 21 and be connected via liquid repellent structure 30 with gas.Because the liquid repellent structure is made by the liquid repellent material 11 with space that supplied gas therefrom passes, thus liquid not owing to capillary force enters, and inside always is filled with gas.As shown in Figure 4, even when external shell 20 tilts at any angle, at least one summit of external shell 20 also always contacts with gas.Therefore, gas enters/leaves the summit that contacts with gas, comprise the limit on this summit or comprise the part of the face on this summit, pass the inside of liquid repellent structure 30, and go into/export 21 by gas and advance/go out, and internal pressure keeps constant.Because the outside of liquid repellent housing 10 is coated with external shell 20, so even when sharp pounding, impact etc. is applied to inner liquid A 1, also suppressed the outside that liquid A 1 leaks into liquid tank 4.
In aforesaid execution mode, liquid repellent structure 30 is made by the liquid repellent material 11 with space that supplied gas therefrom passes, and two or more summits, limit or the face of external shell 20 are gone into/exported 21 and be connected via liquid repellent structure 30 with gas.Therefore, even externally under the state that housing 20 tilts at any angle, it is constant that internal pressure also keeps.
The 5th execution mode
Figure 13 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the described fuel cell of fifth embodiment of the invention.Fuel cell 100 be with liquid fuel for example methyl alcohol directly be supplied on it with aitiogenic direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).Fuel cell 100 is used for the electric device as mobile phone or notebook computer and so on.Fuel cell 100 has for example fuel cell main body 110 and fuel cassette 120.
Fuel cell main body 110 has a plurality of combination members 130.Each combination member 130 has anode electrode (fuel electrode) 132 and cathode electrode (oxygen electrode) 133 be arranged to face with each other configuration in the middle of simultaneously dielectric film 131 being sandwiched.Combination member 130 is clipped between anode-side plate member 111 and the cathode-side plate member 112, and by for example liner (not shown) sealing.Although dielectric film 131 is the shared layers of a plurality of combination member 130 in Figure 13, also can dielectric film 131 be set for each combination member 130.
(make by proton-conducting material SO3H) by for example having sulfo group for dielectric film 131.The example of proton-conducting material comprises the proton-conducting material (for example, " Nafion (registered trade mark) " made by DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha) of poly-perfluoroalkyl sulfonic group (polyperfluoroalkylsulfonic-acid-based), as the proton-conducting material of the hydrocarbon-based of polyimides sulfonic acid and so on and the proton-conducting material of fullerene (fullerene-based).
Anode electrode 132 and cathode electrode 133 have the catalyst layer that for example contains just like the catalyst of platinum (Pt) or ruthenium (Ru) and so on and are formed on as the configuration in the gas diffusion substrate of carbon paper and so on.Constitute catalyst layer by being distributed to as the supporting material of carbon black of supporting catalyst and so in the poly-sulfonic proton-conducting material of perfluoroalkyl etc.The liquid fuel that contains methyl alcohol is fed to anode electrode 132 as gas via being formed on the opening 111A in the anode-side plate member 111.Cathode electrode 133 is via the opening 112A and the external communications that are formed in the anode-side plate member 112.Air just oxygen is fed to cathode electrode 133 by natural draft or air supply pump (not shown).
Figure 14 is the plane configuration of the fuel cell main body 110 shown in Figure 13 when cathode-side plate member 112 is observed.For example, total six combination members 130 are taken advantage of the arrangement of three combination members 130 with two combination members 130 on in-plane.For example, electricity is connected in series six combination members 130 by unshowned power collection structure, shown in Reference numeral P1.
Fuel cassette 20 shown in Figure 13 is arranged on anode-side plate member 111 sides of fuel cell main body 110, and has the fuel bath 5 that will be described later and have evaporation element 121.Fuel bath 5 and evaporation element 121 are connected to each other via flow passage 122.Flow passage 122 is provided with pump 123.Liquid fuel A3 from fuel bath 5 is transported to evaporation element 121 by pump 123 on a direction B1.
Evaporation element 121 makes from the liquid fuel A3 evaporation of fuel bath 5 supplies, and eliminates the impurity (as ionic impurity and the plasticizer with macromolecule) of the low vapor pressure that contains in the fuel based on distillation theory.By being set, the diffuser (not shown) obtains evaporation element 121, described diffuser is used to promote the diffusion of fuel on the plate type member (not shown), this plate type member for example has the approximately thickness of 0.1mm to 1.0mm, and, perhaps make as the high rigid resin material of cyclenes copolymer (COC) and so on by containing metal or alloy such as stainless steel, aluminium.For diffuser, can use inorganic porous material or resin porous material as aluminium oxide, silica, titanium oxide etc. and so on.Preferably, by piling up the plate type member of being made by stainless steel, evaporation element 121 has the internal flow path.Adopt this configuration, can carry out sufficient supply of fuel, thereby help reducing thickness.In the surface of evaporation element 121, form the nozzle 121A of the floss hole that acts as a fuel.Nozzle 121A has for example diameter of 0.1mm to 0.5mm.
Sealant 140 is arranged between fuel cell main body 110 and the evaporation element 121.Sealant 140 is arranged on around the fuel cell main body 110, and by making as the resin material of silicon rubber, propylene diene rubber, teflon (registered trade mark) etc. and so on.Adopt this configuration, predetermined space S is arranged between fuel cell main body 110 and the evaporation element 121.By this space S, the fuel that sprays from evaporation element 121 further spreads, thereby fuel is fed to fuel cell main body 110 equably.
Preferably, fuel cassette 120 can separate from fuel cell main body 110, for example as shown in Figure 15.The impurity that contains in the fuel is concentrated in the evaporation element 121, and makes supply of fuel function deterioration by long use.By making fuel cassette 120 separable, in refuelling box 120, change evaporation element 121, be concentrated in the evaporated residue of the impurity in the evaporation element 121 with regular elimination.
Particularly, below fuel cell main body 110, arrange one of end face and four sides open hold member 150.Fuel cell main body 110 covers the end face that holds member 150.One of anode-side plate member 111 and cathode-side plate member 112 are provided with the projection 113 corresponding to the open side of holding member 150.Projection 113 is connected to rotationally by hinge 151 holds member 150, thereby fuel cell main body 110 opening/closings hold member 150.Fuel cassette 120 is being received into the inside that holds member 150 from the clearance G of holding between member 150 and the anode-side plate member 112 on arrow B 2 directions, perhaps takes out on arrow B 3 directions opposite with arrow B 2 directions.Unshowned accomodating unit as control circuit and so on is arranged on the inner bottom part place that holds member 150.
Figure 16 shows the configuration of the external shell 20 of the fuel bath 5 shown in Figure 13.Externally in the housing 20, gas go into/export 21 and liquid go into/export to be formed in 27 the front end faces 26 on holding direction B2 and hold member 150.Externally housing 20 inside are provided with liquid repellent structure 30 and lyophily structure 40.
External shell 20 is constructed in the mode that is similar to the second and the 3rd execution mode.It is unrestricted that 27 position, number etc. are gone into/exported to liquid, but select according to the configuration that liquid tank 2 is attached on the device side on it.Liquid goes into/exports 27 always must not be arranged on gas/exports on the 21 identical faces.
Liquid repellent structure 30 is constructed in the mode that is similar to the 4th execution mode.
Lyophily structure 40 plays the effect of the passage of liquid fuel A3 in the external shell 20, and two or more summits, limit or face and the liquid of connection external shell 20 go into/export 27.Lyophily structure 40 for example has the shape identical with liquid repellent structure 30, and is arranged to externally overlap on the liquid repellent structure 30 in the housing 20.
Figure 17 shows the cross section structure of lyophily structure 40.Lyophily structure 40 for example has the lyophily internal structure 43 that from external shell 20 ad-hoc location 24 is branched off into the branched pipe 41 of X-shaped shape and is arranged on branched pipe 41 inside.Go at liquid/export under the situation in 27 positions that are arranged on except the terminal 41A of branched pipe 41, branch 41 goes into/exports 27 and is connected via tube connector 42 with liquid.Lyophily internal structure 43 also is arranged in the tube connector 42.
Branched pipe 41 has a plurality of terminal 41A.A plurality of terminal 41A contact with two or more summits, limit or the face of external shell 20.Among a plurality of terminal 41A each is provided with liquid inlet 41B.Adopt this configuration, in liquid tank 4, even externally under the state that housing 20 tilts at any angle, the also desirable all liq fuel A3 that goes out in the external shell 20.
Particularly, externally housing 20 has under the situation of rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 18, desired is, eight summits of a plurality of terminal 41A of branched pipe 41 and external shell 20 just all summit 22A to 22D of end face 22 and all summit 23A to 23D of bottom surface 23 contact.Especially, externally housing 20 has under the situation of flat rectangular shape, just have under the situation of rectangular shape that four limits " z " on the thickness direction are shorter than four limits " x " on the Width and four limits " y " on the short transverse, as shown in figure 16, a plurality of terminal 41A of branched pipe 41 preferably contacts with four limits " z " on the thickness direction of external shell 20.Adopt this configuration, eliminated the orientation dependence, and the present invention disposes all angles with the real meaning of term, just all angles in roll angle (angle of rotation of anterior-posterior axle), the angle of pitch (angle of rotation of lateral shaft) and the deflection angle (angle of rotation of vertical axis).
Externally housing 20 has under the situation of cylindrical form, and as shown in Figure 19, a plurality of terminal 41A of branched pipe 41 can put with at least one point in the end face 22 and in the bottom surface 23 at least one and contacts, so that can eliminate the orientation dependence.The terminal 41A of branched pipe 41 preferably contacts with the center of end face 22 and the center of bottom surface 23.Equally, in the case, with the similar mode of situation of external shell 20 with rectangular shape, branched pipe 41 can have the structure of eight tunnel branches or four tunnel branches.
Under a plurality of terminal 41A of branched pipe 41 and situation that eight summits of external shell 20 contact, as shown in Figure 18, lyophily structure 40 can be divided into two lyophily structures, and two lyophily structures can be arranged on the both sides of liquid repellent structure 30.Terminal 41A as the lyophily structure 40A of one of them lyophily structure contacts with 23D with the summit 22A of end face 22 and the summit 23A of 22D and bottom surface 23.The terminal 41A of another lyophily structure 40B contacts with 23C with the summit 23B of the summit 22B of end face 22 and 22C and bottom surface 23.Two lyophily structure 40A and 40B communicate with each other via tube connector 42A and 42B, and are connected to liquid and go into/export 27.
Similarly, equally under the situation about contacting on four limits " z " on the thickness direction of a plurality of terminal 41A of branched pipe 41 and external shell 20, as shown in Figure 18, lyophily structure 40 can be divided into two lyophily structures, and two lyophily structures can be arranged on the both sides of liquid repellent structure 30.Equally in the case, the terminal 41A as the lyophily structure 40A of one of them lyophily structure contacts with 23D with the summit 22A of end face 22 and the summit 23A of 22D and bottom surface 23.The terminal 41A of another lyophily structure 40B contacts with 23C with the summit 23B of the summit 22B of end face 22 and 22C and bottom surface 23.Two lyophily structure 40A and 40B communicate with each other via tube connector 42A and 42B, and are connected to liquid and go into/export 27.
In Figure 18 and 20, liquid repellent structure 30 can be divided into two structures, and two structures can be arranged on the both sides of lyophily structure 40.Yet, more preferably, lyophily structure 40 is divided into two structures, and with these two structural configuration on the both sides of liquid repellent structure 30.In liquid tank 4, importantly use liquid fuel A3 fully.Because residual liquid fuel A3 often accumulates in the place, summit of external shell 20, so, can take out liquid fuel A3 more easily by lyophily structure 40 being arranged in the place, eight summits of external shell 20.
Be that the radius of branched pipe 41 " r " satisfies formula 1 under the situation of center of external shell 20 at branched pipe 41 by single pipe structure and ad-hoc location 24.
SQR(x 2+y 2+z 2)＜4γcosθ/rρg
H1＝2γcosθ/rρg
H2=SQR (x 2+ y 2+ z 2)/2 ... formula 1
(in equation, the square root of SQR (a) expression a, and x, y, z represent the length (m) on the limit of external shell 20, H1 is illustrated in the height (m) that the liquid level that causes because of capillary force under the situation of cylindrical tube rises, the surface tension of γ express liquid (N/m), θ represents contact angle, and r represents the radius (m) of pipe, the density (kg/m of ρ express liquid 3), g represents acceleration of gravity (9.8m/s 2), and the height (m) that required liquid level rises in the H2 express liquid groove 4.)
Second equation in the formula 1 is represented the height H 1 that branched pipe 41 rises for the liquid level that causes because of capillary force under the situation of cylindrical tube.The height H 2 that required liquid level rises in the C grade formula express liquid groove 4 in the formula 1.Particularly, in order with pin (not shown) etc. liquid fuel A3 to be fetched into external shell 20 outsides from ad-hoc location 24, the level of liquid fuel A3 must rise to ad-hoc location 24 at least from liquid inlet 41B by capillary force.Therefore, externally housing 20 has under the situation of rectangular shape, in the liquid tank 4 required liquid level lifting height H2 be from each summit of external shell 20 to the distance of ad-hoc location 24, described ad-hoc location 24 is the center of external shell 20 just.As a result, satisfy H2＜H1, just under the situation of first equation of formula 1, must select the size of external shell 20, the material of branched pipe 41, the internal diameter of branched pipe 41 etc.Obviously, not under the situation of center of external shell 20 at ad-hoc location, the C grade formula that is used to obtain the formula 1 of height H 2 dissimilates.
Under situation, obtain the material and the internal diameter of branched pipe 41 by substitution approx. dimension and property value in first equation of formula 1 by single pipe structure branched pipe 41.For example, when size x, y and the z of external shell 20 are respectively 18mm, 34mm and 5.5mm, as property value, 21N/m replaces γ, 30 ° replace θ, and 0.79g/cm3 should be understood that the radius " r " of branched pipe 41 must be set at 242 μ m or following when replacing ρ.Just, should be understood that branched pipe 41 made by the material of contact angles that has high wettability and have about 30 degree, and internal diameter must be less than 484 μ m.
Yet the internal diameter of 484 μ m is very little value.When forcing to take out liquid fuel A3, flow passage resistance height, and need sizable swabbing pressure.In order to address this problem, for example consider a branch of tubule that has the internal diameter of 484 μ m by each tubule, porous member, sponge material, foamed material or the fiber material (hereinafter being called " foamed material etc. ") that perhaps have 484 μ m average pore sizes are constructed branched pipe 41.Strictly, the internal diameter of pipe replaces without the average pore size of foamed material etc., but thinks and do not have problems in the discussion of approximate figure.Between pipe and foamed material etc., there is another big difference.Particularly, in pipe, liquid only enters and leaves in two end faces.On the other hand, liquid locates to enter any of foamed material etc./leaves, thus flow direction is uncertain.Because foamed material etc. is as the substitute of pipe, thus the side of foamed material etc. importantly covered, thus the such liquid fuel A3 of image tube only enters in two end faces/leaves, just with filling branched pipes 41 such as foamed materials.By covering foamed material etc., also obtained to suppress the advantage of the evaporation of liquid fuel A3 with branched pipe 41.
Lyophily internal structure 43 is corresponding to as foamed material of the substitute of pipe etc., by forming, and have and be used to a plurality of spaces that liquid is passed through by the intrafascicular at least a lyophilic material of making of porous material, sponge material, foamed material, fiber material and tubule.Space in the lyophily internal structure 43 has average pore size, because this average pore size liquid fuel A3 is fetched to ad-hoc location 24 by capillary force from inlet 41B.Particularly, under the situation of branched pipe 41 by single pipe structure, the average pore size of lyophily internal structure 43 satisfies the requirement that is similar to the formula 1 relevant with radius " r ".Therefore, in liquid tank 4, the diameter of branched pipe 41 increases, and has suppressed the increase of flow passage resistance, has increased capture velocity or the uptake of liquid fuel A3, and has reduced the swabbing pressure of liquid fuel A3.Lyophily internal structure 43 can be by intrafascicular at least a of porous material, sponge material, foamed material, fiber material and tubule, and perhaps the combination of two or more in these materials is made.
Lyophily internal structure 43 is made by the high wettable material that has liquid fuel A3, and just the cosine of the contact angle θ of liquid fuel A3 is for just.From first equation of formula 1, for the radius " r " that makes pipe for just being necessary for (when the θ＞90, cos θ＜0) on the occasion of, the cosine of contact angle θ, thereby the average pore size of lyophily internal structure 43 also must satisfy the requirement of the radius " r " that is similar to pipe.First equation from formula 1 should be understood that, in order to increase the size of external shell 20, the aperture of lyophily internal structure 43 is the smaller the better, and wettability is high more good more.
For example, the suitable material of lyophily internal structure 43 be natural fiber, animal hair fiber, polyacetals, acrylic resin, as the mylar of PETG and so on, as the polyamide of nylon and so on, polyolefin resin, ethene polymers, Merlon, polyether resin, polyphenylene resin, polylactic resin, foam metal, foam oxide, zeolite or biscuit ware as polyurethane, polypropylene or polyethylene and so on.By on these materials, carrying out ozone treatment etc., can improve wettability to methyl alcohol.Lyophily internal structure 43 can be made by foam (foam member), felt, felt sintered body or particle sintered body, and these foams (foam member), felt, felt sintered body or particle sintered body are made by a kind of in these materials or two or more the combination in them.Concrete material is the porous metal material for example made by nickel (Ni) (as by Sumitomo ElectricToyama Co., the Celmet (trade (brand) name) that Ltd makes).
Figure 21 shows the example of the concrete structure of lyophily structure 40.Branched pipe 41 and tube connector 42 for example have by with a pair of X-shaped semimember 44A that makes by stainless steel (as SUS304) and 44B is overlapping and with the adhesive (not shown) with they bonding configurations that obtains. Groove 45A and 45B are respectively formed among semimember 44A and the 44B.By with groove 45A and 45B combination, form branched pipe 41 and tube connector 42.Lyophily internal structure 43 is contained among groove 45A and the 45B.
The for example following manufacturing of fuel cell 100.In following manufacture method, will describe by using semimember 44A shown in Figure 21 and 44B to form the situation of lyophily structure 40.
At first, to be similar to the mode of first execution mode, form liquid repellent material 11.By liquid repellent material 11, formation has the liquid repellent structure 30 of liquid repellent branching portion 31 and liquid repellent coupling part 32.
Next, cut the thin plate of making by porous metal material, thereby form lyophily internal structure 43 along the shape of groove 45A and 45B.Semimember 44A and 44B that preparation is made by above-mentioned material.As shown in Figure 21, lyophily internal structure 43 is filled in respectively among the groove 45A and 45B among semimember 44A and the 44B.Semimember 44A and 44B are by the adhesive (not shown) heat bonding of modified polypropene maleate etc.By this process, form the lyophily structure 40 shown in Figure 17.
Subsequently, by above-mentioned material, form have gas go into/export 21 and liquid go into/export 27 external shell 20.Externally in the housing 20, arrange liquid repellent structure 30 and lyophily structure 40.As a result, finish the liquid tank 5 shown in Figure 16 and 17.
After this, evaporation element 121 is arranged in the face of liquid tank 5, and liquid tank 5 and evaporation element 121 are connected to each other via flow passage 122.Flow channel 122 is provided with pump 123.As a result, form the fuel cassette 120 shown in Figure 15.
The dielectric film of being made by above-mentioned material 131 is clipped between the anode electrode of being made by above-mentioned material 132 and cathode electrode 133, and formed assembly is carried out the hot compression bonding.Anode electrode 132 and cathode electrode 133 are bonded to dielectric film 131, thereby form combination member 130.After this, combination member 130 electricity are connected in series, and are arranged between anode-side plate member 111 and the cathode-side plate 112.By above operation, form the fuel cell main body 110 shown in Figure 13.At last, fuel cassette 120 is arranged on the outside of anode-side plate member 111 of fuel cell main body 110.As a result, finish the fuel cell 100 shown in Figure 13.
In fuel cell 100, liquid fuel A3 is fed to the anode electrode 132 of each combination member 130 from liquid tank 5, and passes through reaction generation proton and electronics.Proton passes dielectric film 131, moves to cathode electrode 133, and reacts with electronics and oxygen, thereby generates water.By this operation, liquid fuel A3, the part of the chemical energy of methyl alcohol just converts electric energy to and takes out as electric current, and external load is activated.
In liquid tank 5, two or more summits, limit or the face of external shell 20 gone into/exported 21 and be connected via liquid repellent structure 30 with gas.Because liquid repellent structure 30 is made by the liquid repellent material 11 with space that supplied gas therefrom passes, thus liquid fuel A3 not because of capillary force enters, and inside always is filled with gas.As shown in Figure 4, even when external shell 20 tilts at any angle, at least one summit of external shell 20 also always contacts with gas in end face 22 or the bottom surface 23.Therefore, gas enters/leaves the summit that contacts with gas, comprise the limit on this summit or comprise the part of the face on this summit, pass the inside of liquid repellent structure 30, and go into/export 21 by gas and advance/go out, and internal pressure keeps constant.Because the outside of liquid repellent housing 10 is coated with external shell 20, so, also suppressed liquid A 1 and leaked into liquid tank 4 outsides even be applied in sharp pounding, impact etc. under the situation of inner liquid A 1.
Because liquid fuel A3 only is limited in the end of branched pipe 41 to the inlet 41B of lyophily structure 40, so externally formed predetermined direction on the flowing of the liquid fuel A3 in the housing 20, thereby liquid fuel A3 only enters branched pipe 41 from inlet 41B, be transported to ad-hoc location 24, and go into/export 27 places are sucked into external shell 20 via tube connector 42 outside at liquid.As shown in Figure 22, externally under any angle of inclination of housing 20, at least one among summit 22A to 22D and the 23A to 23D contacts with liquid fuel A3.Therefore, even when the liquid fuel A3 in the external shell 20 reduces, the liquid fuel A3 that is present in the place, any one side on four limits " z " on the thickness direction in the external shell 20 enters branched pipe 41 from the branched pipe 41 anterior inlet 41B that touch with this edge joint.Therefore, even when external shell 20 tilts at any angle, also can take out all liq fuel A3.
And lyophily structure 40 has the lyophily internal structure 43 that is formed by lyophilic material, and lyophilic material is by intrafascicular at least a the making of porous material, sponge material, foamed material, fiber material and tubule.So, suppressed the increase of flow passage resistance in the branched pipe 41, increase capture velocity or the uptake of liquid fuel A3, and reduced the swabbing pressure of liquid fuel A3.
In the liquid tank 5 of execution mode as mentioned above, liquid repellent structure 30 is made by the liquid repellent material with space that supplied gas therefrom passes.Two or more summits, limit or the face and the gas that connect external shell 20 by liquid repellent structure 30 go into/export 21.Therefore, even externally under the state that housing 20 tilts at any angle, it is constant that internal pressure also keeps.So, by liquid tank 5 being used for the fuel cassette 120 of fuel cell 100, suppressed the unusual ejection of liquid fuel A3 and breaking of liquid tank 5, thereby improved fail safe.
Because lyophily structure 40 is arranged in the external shell 20 and the inlet 41B of liquid fuel A3 is arranged on the end of branched pipe 41, so the flow direction of liquid fuel A3 becomes constant.Even the quantitative change of liquid fuel A3 is little, also can take out liquid fuel A3 reliably.Therefore, even when external shell 20 tilts at any angle, the also desirable all liq fuel A3 that goes out in the external shell 20.Especially, liquid tank 5 is suitable for being installed in the fuel cell 100 on the portable electronic equipment, has increased the service efficiency of liquid fuel A3, and has improved the user friendly of device.
Especially, because the lyophily internal structure 43 that is formed by lyophilic material is arranged in the lyophily structure 40, described lyophilic material is by intrafascicular at least a the making of porous material, sponge material, foamed material, fiber material and tubule, so suppressed the increase of flow passage resistance, the capture velocity of liquid fuel A3 or uptake increase, and the swabbing pressure of liquid fuel A3 descends.
The 6th execution mode
Figure 23 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the described fuel bath 6 of sixth embodiment of the invention.Be provided with liquid by the liquid repellent housing 10 that makes the described fuel bath 1 of first execution mode and go into/export 12, and the lyophily structure 40 that will be similar to the 5th execution mode is arranged in the liquid repellent housing 10, and obtain fuel bath 6.The operation of fuel bath 6 and effect are similar to the first and the 5th execution mode.Fuel bath 6 can be made in the mode that is similar to the first and the 5th execution mode.
The 7th execution mode
Figure 24 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the described fuel bath 7 of seventh embodiment of the invention.Be provided with liquid by the external shell 20 that makes the described fuel bath 2 of second execution mode and go into/export 27, make liquid repellent housing 10 be provided with liquid and go into/export 12, and the lyophily structure 40 that will be similar to the 5th execution mode is arranged in the liquid repellent housing 10, and obtains fuel bath 7.The operation of fuel bath 7 and effect are similar to the second and the 5th execution mode.Fuel bath 7 can be made in the mode that is similar to the second and the 5th execution mode.
The 8th execution mode
Figure 25 shows the configuration of the described fuel cell 100 of eighth embodiment of the invention.By being taken into air from extraneous air and exhaust being directed into fuel cell main body 110, this fuel cell 100 has been realized the fail safe that improves in the described fuel bath 5 of for example the 5th execution mode.Therefore, same reference numerals is represented corresponding parts.
Fuel cell main body 110 is constructed in the mode that is similar to the 5th execution mode.
Fuel cassette 120 has and for example is connected to gas and goes into/export 21 pipeline 161 and from first branching portion 162 and second branching portion 163 of pipeline 161 branches.
The suction port 164 of first branching portion, 162 connecting lines 161 and extraneous air, and have for example check valve 162A, it is as the mechanism that gas flow is limited on the direction that enters into liquid tank 4.Second branching portion, 163 connecting lines 161, evaporation element 121 and fuel cell main body 110, and have check valve 163A, it is as the mechanism on the direction that gas flow is limited to the outside of leading to liquid tank 4.Second branching portion 163 is gone into/is exported 27 with the liquid of liquid tank 4 and is communicated with.Adopt this configuration, in fuel cell 100, be included in from the liquid fuel A3 in the exhaust of liquid tank 4 and be not discharged into atmosphere, suppressed the user and be exposed to methyl alcohol etc., and improved fail safe.
First branching portion 162 can be provided with dust filter 162B or oxygen absorbent filter 162C as required.Dust filter 162B is used to remove dust in air, and is arranged on for example between the suction port 164 and check valve 162A.Be provided with oxygen absorbent filter 162C with the power generation performance that suppresses fuel cell main body 110 because of airborne oxygen variation, and suppress fuel oxidation deterioration etc.Oxygen absorbent filter 162C for example is arranged on, and check valve 162A and gas go into/export between 21.
Although pump 123 is arranged in Figure 25 in the leading portion of check valve 163A, pump 123 can be arranged in the 123A place, position between check valve 163A and evaporation element 121 and the fuel cell main body 110.
In fuel cell 100, when the internal pressure of external shell 20 reduced, gas was drawn into first branching portion 162 from suction port 164.Gas is limited in entering on the direction of liquid tank 4 by check valve 162A, and goes into/export 21 and be input in the liquid tank 4 via pipeline 161 and gas.On the other hand, when the internal pressure of external shell 20 rose, gas was gone into/is exported 21 inside by liquid repellent structure 30 from gas and is discharged to the pipeline 161 and second branching portion 163.Exhaust is restricted to by check valve 163A on the direction of the outside of leading to liquid tank 4, and is fed to evaporation element 121 and fuel cell main body 110 with the fuel of going into/exporting 27 evaporation from liquid.The liquid fuel A3 that contains in the exhaust is consumed by fuel cell main body 110.Therefore, liquid fuel A3 is not discharged into atmosphere, and has suppressed the user and be exposed to methyl alcohol etc.
In execution mode as mentioned above, be connected to gas and go into/export 21 pipeline 161 and be branched off into first and second branching portions 162 and 163.First branching portion 162 is provided with check valve 162A, and this valve is limited in gas flow on the direction of leading to liquid tank 4 inside.Second branching portion 163 is provided with check valve 163A, and this valve is limited in gas flow on the direction of the outside of leading to liquid tank 4.Adopt this configuration, prevented that the liquid fuel A3 that is included in from liquid tank 4 exhausts is discharged into atmosphere, suppressed the user and be exposed to methyl alcohol etc., improved fail safe.
The 8th execution mode also can be applicable to the fuel bath 2 and 7 described in the second and the 7th execution mode, and the outside that they have liquid repellent housing 10 separately is coated with the configuration of external shell 20.
Although described the present invention by execution mode in the above, the present invention is not limited to aforementioned embodiments, but can make amendment in every way.For example, in aforementioned embodiments, the ad-hoc location of having described as the starting point of liquid repellent branching portion 31 or branched pipe 41 24 is situations of the center of external shell 20.Yet ad-hoc location 24 is not limited to above-mentioned situation, but can suitably select according to the posture of external shell 20.For example, under externally housing 20 was arranged to face down the situation of (making end face 22 locate) comparatively frequently downwards, the position of below, center can be set at ad-hoc location 24.
For example, generating situation of the material of each parts and thickness, fuel cell etc. is not limited in the aforementioned embodiments, and can be other material, other thickness and other generating situation.For example, any one is when the fuel bath in 5 when fuel bath 1, and liquid fuel is not limited to methyl alcohol, but can be the another kind of liquid fuel as ethanol or dimethyl ether and so on.
And, liquid tank of the present invention not only can be applicable to fuel cell, and can be applicable to use the print cartridge, spray gun, scent flask etc. of fuel bath, the ink-jet printer of the device that is used for burnt fuel as heater oil, light oil and gasoline and so on (as illumination torch, heater and engine).
Fuel cell of the present invention is suitable for portable electronic equipment, as mobile phone, electron camera, electronics diary, notebook computer, camcorder, portable game, portable player, stereophone and PDA (personal digital assistant).
The application comprises and on the March 31st, 2009 of relevant theme of disclosed theme in the Japanese priority patent application JP2009-085736 that Japan Patent office submits to, and the whole contents of this application is incorporated into by reference at this.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that in the scope of claims or its equivalent, can carry out various modifications, combination, sub-portfolio and change according to designing requirement and other factors.

Claims (19)

1. liquid tank comprises:
External shell, described external shell are provided with a gas and go into/export; And
The liquid repellent structure, described liquid repellent structure is arranged on the inside of described external shell, and two or more summits, limit or the face and the described gas that connect described external shell are gone into/are exported, and are made by the liquid repellent material with ventilation space.
2. liquid tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described liquid repellent structure has the liquid repellent branching portion of the ad-hoc location branch from described external shell, and a plurality of ends of described liquid repellent branching portion contact with two or more summits, limit or the face of described external shell.
3. liquid tank as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described external shell has a liquid and goes into/export also to have therein the lyophily structure, and
Described lyophily structure comprises:
Branched pipe, described branched pipe from described external shell ad-hoc location branch and have a plurality of ends, described a plurality of ends contact with two or more summits, limit and the face of described external shell and are provided with the liquid inlet separately; And
The lyophily internal structure, described lyophily internal structure is arranged in the described branched pipe and by the lyophilic material with logical liquid air crack and makes.
4. liquid tank as claimed in claim 3, wherein, described lyophily structure has the shape identical with the shape of described liquid repellent structure, and overlaps in described external shell on the described liquid repellent structure.
5. as each described liquid tank in the claim 2 to 4, wherein, described external shell has rectangular shape, and in described rectangular shape, four limits on the thickness direction are shorter than four limits on the Width and four limits on the short transverse, and
Four edge joints on a plurality of ends of described liquid repellent branching portion and the thickness direction of described external shell touch.
6. liquid tank as claimed in claim 5, wherein, four edge joints on a plurality of ends of described branched pipe and the thickness direction of described external shell touch.
7. liquid tank as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described external shell has rectangular shape, and
A plurality of ends of described liquid repellent branching portion contact with eight summits of described external shell.
8. liquid tank as claimed in claim 7, wherein, a plurality of ends of described branched pipe contact with eight summits of described external shell.
9. liquid tank as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described external shell has tubular, and described tubular has two opposing end faces and is present in side between described two end faces, and
A plurality of ends of described liquid repellent branching portion contact with two end faces of described external shell.
10. liquid tank as claimed in claim 9, wherein, a plurality of ends of described branched pipe contact with two end faces of described external shell.
11. a liquid tank, described liquid tank comprises the liquid repellent housing, and all faces of described liquid repellent housing are made by the liquid repellent material with ventilation space.
12. liquid tank as claimed in claim 11 also comprises external shell, described external shell covers the outside of described liquid repellent housing and has gas to go into/export.
13. liquid tank as claimed in claim 12, wherein, described liquid repellent material has facing surfaces and back, and the shape in described space changes on the relative direction of described surface and described back, make capillary force in the described surface less than the capillary force in the described back
The described surface arrangement of described liquid repellent material is on the inner face of described liquid repellent housing, and the described back of described liquid repellent material then is arranged on the outside of described liquid repellent housing.
14. a fuel cell comprises:
Fuel cell main body, and
Fuel cassette, described fuel cassette has liquid tank,
Wherein, described liquid tank comprises:
External shell, described external shell are provided with a gas and go into/export; And
The liquid repellent structure, described liquid repellent structure is arranged on the inside of described external shell, and two or more summits, limit or the face and the described gas that connect described external shell are gone into/are exported, and are made by the liquid repellent material with ventilation space.
15. fuel cell as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described fuel cassette has evaporation element and can separate with described fuel cell main body, and described evaporation element makes the liquid fuel evaporation of supply from described liquid tank.
16. fuel cell as claimed in claim 14 also comprises:
Pipeline, described pipeline are connected to described gas and go into/export;
First branching portion, described first branching portion are from described line branches and be provided with gas flow is limited to mechanism on the direction of the inside of leading to described liquid tank; And
Second branching portion, described second branching portion be from described line branches, is provided with gas flow is limited in mechanism on the direction of the outside of leading to described liquid tank, and goes into/export to be communicated with liquid.
17. a fuel cell comprises
Fuel cell main body, and
Fuel cassette, described fuel cassette has liquid tank,
Wherein, all faces of described liquid tank are made by the liquid repellent material with ventilation space.
18. fuel cell as claimed in claim 17, wherein, described fuel cassette has evaporation element and can separate with described fuel cell main body, and described evaporation element makes the liquid fuel evaporation of supply from described liquid tank.
19. fuel cell as claimed in claim 17 also comprises:
Pipeline, described pipeline are connected to gas and go into/export;
First branching portion, described first branching portion are from described line branches and be provided with gas flow is limited to mechanism on the direction of the inside of leading to described liquid tank; And
Second branching portion, described second branching portion be from described line branches, is provided with gas flow is limited in mechanism on the direction of the outside of leading to described liquid tank, and goes into/export to be communicated with liquid.
CN2010101401985A 2009-03-31 2010-03-24 Liquid tank and fuel cell Expired - Fee Related CN101853948B (en)

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JP2008293897A (en) * 2007-05-28 2008-12-04 Sony Corp Liquid tank and tubular structure for liquid tank, fuel cell as well as electronic apparatus

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CN1816933A (en) * 2003-01-31 2006-08-09 法商Bic公司 Fuel cartridge for fuel cells
KR20070038709A (en) * 2005-10-06 2007-04-11 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 Fuel cell system
JP2008293897A (en) * 2007-05-28 2008-12-04 Sony Corp Liquid tank and tubular structure for liquid tank, fuel cell as well as electronic apparatus

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